Zenpoji Temple was founded in the 13th century and remains one of the major Buddhist sites around Tsuruoka. The five-storey pagoda is the landmark, but the wider compound has several halls and enough space to feel like a proper temple visit rather than a quick roadside stop.
It lies west of the city centre, on the way toward the coast. Combine it with Kamo Aquarium if you have your own wheels or are willing to work around local buses.